LOST Book Club

We're looking forward to season 5 starting Jan. 21. I think it would be interesting to read some of these books especially to rewatch the show that the book's mentioned in. Here's the link: http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index?pn=bookclub

Moment of Cuteness

Ginormous creepy crawly things at our house

We've recently had visitors to the house. Below is a collection of the motley crew.

This lovely specimen is a Flying American Cockroach. It flew into our place one night and taunted Koko for awhile. It then spent the next two days behind our bookcase; Koko eventually flushed it out into the open and attempted to play with it for a while before Dan came along and released it back into the wild.

I found this giant slug underneath the recycling bin. I heard that if you pour salt on slugs, they will die. But then your life will turn into a downward spiral of disaster and you will go to hell for causing a painful death. Slugs have that kind of power. The slug shall have the last laugh.

Neighborhood fish not allowed in these litigous times

As seen at Roanoke Park by our house. The park had a real community feel to it. Neighbors would leave their toys in the park for other kids to use. Since this photo was taken, the fish and all other toys have been removed, by decree of the Raleigh Parks and Recreation. A sign was posted in the park asking parents to remove all toys by August 15. The city will remove any toys left at the park after August 15. What about the slippery leaves and rocks? Something should be done about those death traps.

Happy mother's day

Hope that mom is having a great day. Also, in the future, if you want to refer to a place that's not very happening, say "Man, this place is as dead as Hooters on Mother's Day." Then immediately credit Dan for this phrase.

The Harms family prior to the post-wedding knife fight

~January 5, 2008, Mary & Ryan's wedding~

Drinking: The before picture

~January 5, 2008, Mary & Ryan's wedding~

Bizarre-o-land Billy Graham

Dan and I took a road trip last month to Charlotte and stumbled upon the Billy Graham Library. When you enter through the front door shaped like a cross, you're greeted by Bessy the talking cow. She encourages you to stop by the concession stand for some milk and cookies. Then, when you leave the building, you head to the left and pay your respects to Ruth Graham who's buried a couple feet away from the talking cow. As we were leaving, staff handed us what looked like a credit card but was some kind of prayer/Jesus ID card. It has a prayer on the back and a section where you can sign your name. I guess we hold on to it in case the rapture comes.

Get your Mary--One night only!

Below is photo evidence of Mary's fabulous bachelorette party. What would you expect? Perhaps a marital aid in the likeness of Burt Reynolds (mustache years). Or a cake lovingly decorated into an anatomically-correct form. Fabulous outfits were worn. Dueling pianos were played. Debutante's were served.

Mary preparing for her last night out as a single woman.


The bachelorette party whooping it up at the dueling piano bar.


Recipe: 2 snowballs, 1 peeled banana propped up with a tongue depressor(unused).


This is a great shot of Mary getting made up for her big day. She's a Mrs. now!!

Check out where we'll be living

On June 15, we'll be moving in to an Arts & Crafts bungalow in Raleigh. The house has lots of character and a screened porch for the girls. There's a yoga studio a block away, a coffee shop, restaurants, and an independent movie theater--all within walking distance.

Here's a link to more photos of the house: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8MbOGrRo4ZQo

When the Baconator bites back...

Six strips of hickory smoked bacon piled high atop two 1/4 lb.* patties of fresh, never frozen, beef. Complete with two slices of American cheese, mayo and ketchup for a mountain of mouth-watering taste. Go on, obsess a little...

How bad could it be, right?
I'll try and put it into an equation:

(Ryan - $3.86 + tax) + the baconator = 1 less gall bladder + insurance costs + pain and suffering

Upon simplifying: It freakin' hurt, I would not recommend this product...

Pictures of surgery soon to follow!

War has been declared...

We received a unique valentine this year--a typed note from our neighbor nudged in our front door. Here's a highlight:

This letter is concerning the ongoing issue of the use of your front door. People use the garage door to be courteous and to not disturb their neighbor. Over the past months, on numerous occasions, we have politely asked that you please be more considerate and use your garage door, especially before the hours of 8 am and after the hours of 8 pm.

Things to do in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area

Since moving here almost a year ago, I've learned of many great things to do with out-of-town guests in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill area. All are very affordable AND legal.

Places to eat:

Hog Heaven BBQ

Q-Shack

Maple View Farm: Sitting in rocking chairs in the middle of the country eating homemade ice-cream is a unique experience that every visitor should enjoy.

Locopops: A Mexican popsicle stand where you can get a mango chile popsicle.

Things to do:

Walk through the Sarah P. Duke Gardens and tour the Duke Chapel.

Walk the Duke Loop: The Al Buehler Cross Country Trail offers a great glimpse of Duke Forest.

Durham Bulls Game: Tickets are cheap and you get to hang out in one of the nicest minor league stadiums in the country.

Internationall Whistlers Convention in Louisburg (April)

Check out a flea wedding-fleas dressed up in wedding attire at Bellhaven Museum